Question : SEA CRUISE



(a) whether sea cruise is increasingly becoming popular among domestic and foreign tourists; and

(b) if so, the steps taken by the Government to identify and develop such spots alongwith details of potential areas in each State?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF TOURISM AND CULTURE (SHRI JAGMOHAN)

(a): International tourism trends indicate that sea travel is becoming increasingly popular and that there is enormous potential for its growth and expansion.

(b): The Ministry of Shipping, Govt. of India has constituted a Committee to explore the potential of cruise tourism and develop related infrastructure in the major ports on the western coast. Committees at the port level have also been constituted in the major ports of Mumbai/Marmagoa/New Mangalore/Kochi and Tuticorin for identification and implementation of related work. A separate Committee has been constituted under the Chair person, Mumbai Port Trust to review rules and regulations concerning cruise vessels/tourists. A Seminar was organised for cruise tourism in Mumbai on 15th October, 2003. World Tourism Organisation (WTO) had deputed two experts as resource persons for this Seminar.